Audiences may have to wait a few extra days to take Nicholas Sparks’ “The Longest Ride.”

Multiple media outlets are penciling in the romantic drama, which wrapped filming in Wilmington in late July before heading to the Piedmont, for release on April 10, 2015, a week after the April 3 date originally announced.

The potential release delay comes after Universal announced its highly anticipated “Fast & Furious 7” will now rev its engines on April 3, following the sudden death of franchise star Paul Walker. Although the two films likely won’t target the same audience, it is a smart move for “The Longest Ride” to steer clear of the popular racing series, the last installment of which grossed $238 million in 2013.

As it stands now, “The Longest Ride” faces no competition on its new release date.

The film, based on the latest book by Sparks, follows Sophia (Brit Robertson) and Luke (Scott Eastwood), a young couple whose blossoming relationship in the Piedmont area of the state becomes intertwined with Ira (Alan Alda), an elderly man reminiscing about his own love story with his late wife, Ruth (Oona Chaplin), beginning in the 1940s. Jack Huston, Lolita Davidovich and Melissa Beinoist costar.

A publicist for the film would not confirm the new date, saying only that the production is eyeing an “early spring” release.

“The Longest Ride” will be the 10th film adapted from Sparks’ work.

In the meantime, be sure to read about our visit the set of the film and what leading lady, Britt Robertson, had to say about joining the Nicholas Sparks universe.

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About This Blog

Hi! My name is Hunter Ingram and I’m the film/TV reporter for StarNews Media. I will be the primary blogger for WilmonFilm, but other staffers, including Community Engagement Editor Jeff Hidek and freelance reporter Brian Tucker, are likely to contribute from time to time.

With this blog, I aim to be Southeastern North Carolina’s go-to source for all things film and TV. Wilmington and its surrounding areas are rich with intriguing projects, from the big-budget blockbusters to the small-scale, high-impact independent films. I will post everything from breaking news to offbeat features that will cover every facet of the entertainment news emerging from the area. So bookmark this page and be on the lookout every day for new posts!

While we may be hard at work reporting on the stories we get, we also want your tips, reactions and ideas. Got a story idea that is itching to be heard? E-mail or call me! Want to say something about a post? Leave a comment.